How to Interline Curtains

Interlining is a flannel-like, napped cotton material used between the face fabric and lining of a curtain. It adds body, drapability, insulation and protection to the curtains. It can be used with any fabrics to add a substantial and luxurious feel. It is especially important to interline silk fabrics to add protection from sunlight. Interlining a curtain panel adds an extra step to the sewing process but the result is a professional look. Drapery panels as well as valances benefit from interlining. These instructions use a plain drapery panel with a flat heading to show you how to accomplish this task.

Measure distance from bottom edge of drapery pole ring to floor. Subtract 1 inch. This is your finished length. Add 12 inches to finished length measurement to achieve cut length measurement. Example: 91 inches less 1 inch equals 90 inches plus 12 inches equals 102 inches cut length.
Cut face fabric to the new measurement length (102 inches in the example).
Cut lining 4 inches narrower and 3 inches shorter than face fabric.

Cut interlining the same as lining.
Lay interlining on wrong side of lining. Work with lining and interlining as if they are one piece from now on.
Turn up a 3 inch double hem on lining/interlining. (Fold up 3 inches and then fold up again to form double hem.) Pin in place. Sew through all thicknesses.
Turn up a 4 inch double hem on face fabric. Pin in place. Machine sew or hand sew hem in place.
Lay face fabric and linings right sides together. Align top of hems. The lining hem should be 1 inch shorter than face fabric hem. Pin side edges. Sew, using ½ inch seam allowance. Stop sewing at top of hems.
Turn curtain right sides out. Because the linings are narrower than the face, the side edges will roll to the lining side. This forms the side hems. Press.
Slipstitch the bottom hems at side edges, leaving the two hems free across the width of the panel. (You can miter the hem corners for a neat look.)
At the top of the panel, fold 1/2 inch of fabric to the lining side. Press. Fold 3 1/2 inches to the lining side, forming the flat header. Stitch in place, sewing through all thicknesses.
Place drapery pins, clip-on rings or sew-on rings at even intervals across the header. It is normal to have seven rings per single-width panel. Hang curtain on rod.